10 things you need to know Thursday

Thursday

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. WHAT IRAN IS SAYING ABOUT ASSAD'S FUTURE: Iranian President Rouhani calls for free and fair elections in Syria, saying it would respect any outcome.

2. HOW VIRGINIA IS VIEWING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: The attorney general concludes that the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and will no longer defend it in federal lawsuits challenging it.

3. COMPROMISE DOUBTFUL IN UKRAINE: Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfs Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early election or face street rage was set to expire.

4. TEXAS EXECUTES MAN DESPITE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION: A Mexican national is executed for killing a Houston police officer despite pleas and diplomatic pressure from the Mexican government and the U.S. State Department.

5. POLL: NICE GUY, SO-SO PRESIDENT: A new AP poll finds that less than a third of Americans consider Obama to be an above-average commander in chief, but nearly twice as many find him likable.